Chief confirms “extremely important” player’s “express wish” was to join Leeds – “Convinced” they can replace him

Maximilian Wöber made an “express wish” to move to Leeds United this month, hence his switch to Elland Road.

That’s according to RB Salzburg director of football Christoph Freund, who insists the Austrian side are confident they will be able to replace the defender.

Wöber completed a move to Leeds on January 3^rd, signing in a €12m deal to become the Whites’ first signing of the January transfer window.

He is the latest player to arrive at Elland Road from Salzburg, joining Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson in making the switch and reuniting with former manager Jesse Marsch.

The belief is that he is likely to go straight into the defence moving forwards, with Leeds’ backline having struggled again this season.

He arrives at the club after falling out of favour somewhat at Salzburg this season, featuring more at left-back than in his favoured centre-back position.

It seems that may have prompted the transfer this month, with the club chief confirming it was the player’s desire to move.

“He was an extremely important player, but it was his express wish,” Salzburger Nachrichten report Freund saying.

“However, I am convinced that we can replace him. It’s a great opportunity for the young players again.”